Sólheimar (the “home of the sun”) was founded on July 5th 1930 by a pioneering woman, Sesselja H. Sigmundsdóttir (1902-1974), and today all activities in this small eco-village are based on her lifework and visions. Sólheimar is located in Grímsnes in the south of Iceland.
Inspired by the theories of Rudolf Steiner, Sesselja’s focus was the cultivation of the individual and the environment. Sesselja was a passionate advocate for integrating children with and without disabilities, and it was here in Sólheimar where this vision was brought to life. She made a home for children in Sólheimar, and her work emphasized organic horticulture (the first in Scandinavia), healthy food, and artistic expression. Many of these ideas sparked controversy with authorities because at this time in history, it was believed that “healthy” children should not play with those with special needs. It was also believed that the high-vegetable diet promoted by Sesselja was not healthy for the children. These controversies have since faded into history, and the Sólheimar community continues to support a healthy work and living space for those with and without special needs.

Today, Sólheimar is not a children’s home anymore but a community where the goal is to give every individual an opportunity in a sustainable society. Sólheimar provides home and workplace to 43 individuals with special needs, and in total, more than 100 people live and work in Sólheimar. 10-15 people reside outside of the Sólheimar community who commute to work here, and a few people live in Sólheimar but do not work. Short and long-term volunteers have worked in Sólheimar for much of its history, and volunteer work continues to be an important aspect of this community. Study-abroad programs and the internship program also draw people to Sólheimar, and with 30,000-35,000 guests visiting Sólheimar every year, it has become a popular tourist destination year-round.

The aim of Sólheimar is to maximize the potential of each individual. This community is internationally renowned for its artistic and ecological atmosphere and prides itself on its varied cultural, social, and sporting activities.

The activity in Sólheimar is versatile. In the village, there are organic greenhouses, both for vegetable cultivation and a forestry, the only organic forestry in Iceland. There is also a shop/gallery in Sólheimar, a café, a bakery, guesthouses and many art venues throughout the year. There are six workshops in the village; a candle workshop, ceramics, weaving, carpentry, fine art atelier and a herbal workshop that makes soaps, creams, paper etc.
 
In Sólheimar you will find a church, a sculpture garden, an arboretum, sports hall, gym and a swimming pool, a music garden, an art gallery and during the summer and for Advent a cultural festival with different venues; music, fine art, theater etc. The Eco-center Sesseljuhus (www.sesseljuhus.is) was opened in 2002 where most conferences, meetings and other gatherings are held both for the village and visitors.